The Peninsula Manila — Hotel in Makati

We chose The Peninsula Manila for a quick couple’s getaway, hoping for a luxurious and seamless experience backed by our AmEx Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits. Unfortunately, what we got instead was a string of letdowns masked by a few moments of professionalism.

The only positive experience worth mentioning was the check-in process at the lounge—staff there were courteous, prompt, and welcoming. However, everything before and after that moment was inconsistent at best and frustrating at worst.

From arrival, we noticed a disturbing lack of hospitality from the bellmen and doormen. It felt like unless you were an obviously foreign guest, service was selective. We were left to handle our own things while the staff stood around, chatting amongst themselves. Not a good first impression for a five-star property.

At check-in, we were assisted directly to the lounge, which was appreciated. But despite our AmEx FHR benefits, there were no upgrades available, and disappointingly, no one took the time to explain what amenities or inclusions we had access to. We weren’t informed about the pool, spa, or even the in-house restaurants in detail—which would’ve helped us better plan and enjoy our short stay. For a couple trying to make the most of a quick escape, that lack of communication was a huge miss.

The lounge had decent drinks and snacks, though seating was tight. What’s more frustrating was how unevenly the dress code was enforced—while the rules were clear, some guests (particularly white foreigners) were allowed in wearing slippers, while others were turned away or judged more strictly. It gave the whole place a sense of double standards.

Our room was spacious, but the comfort ended there. It was warm and the temperature couldn’t be adjusted properly. Worse, we found hair on the bed and in the towels when we finally laid down after a long day—clearly not cleaned properly. The mini-fridge was crammed with overpriced snacks, leaving no room for our own items or medications. There was no ice machine in sight, and we had to leave the hotel just to buy ice to keep our meds cool.

We were also given a $100 dining credit for Escolta, but when we tried to use it our first night, the hostess was glued to her phone and chatting with other staff, ignoring guests. It completely killed our appetite, and we ended up dining elsewhere.

After breakfast the next morning, I noticed housekeeping had already skipped our room by 11am. I had to call to request cleaning—which should not be necessary in a property that claims to offer refined service.

Still wanting to make use of our dining credit, I tried Escolta again on our second night, alone. The hostess again acted indifferent and told me it was full—even though I saw several empty tables. I said I’d wait and was eventually seated after 15 minutes. Once there, no waiter approached me for another 10 minutes, no water, no greeting, nothing. I had to flag someone down just to get a sparkling water and wine. When I finally approached the buffet, several items were empty (like the soup), there were no chopsticks for sushi, and again, staff were more interested in gossiping than attending to guests. I had to call the manager’s attention myself, and while she was responsive, the damage had been done. My steak, requested medium rare, arrived nearly raw. Appetite gone, I left the meal unfinished.

Even on our final day, despite notifying the front desk twice—once at check-in and again the night before—we had to make multiple calls for help with early check-out and getting ice for our cooler.

For a hotel that positions itself as one of Manila’s finest, the experience was far from ideal. Inconsistent service, selective treatment of guests, lack of proper communication about amenities, and poor attention to detail made what should have been a relaxing escape feel like an ongoing disappointment. A beautiful check-in lounge can only go so far when the rest of the stay misses the...

Review of The Peninsula Manila

Location: The Peninsula Manila is ideally located in Makati City, one of Metro Manila’s premier business and commercial districts. Its central position provides easy access to major shopping centers, dining establishments, and business hubs, making it a convenient choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Accommodations: The Peninsula Manila is renowned for its luxurious accommodations, featuring elegantly designed rooms and suites. The rooms are spacious and meticulously decorated with a blend of modern sophistication and classic elegance. Guests can enjoy high-quality amenities, including plush bedding, advanced technology, and luxurious bath products. The attention to detail in room design ensures a comfortable and upscale experience.

Dining Options: The hotel offers a diverse array of dining options, catering to various tastes and preferences:

The Lobby: Known for its iconic afternoon tea and elegant ambiance. Spices: Offers a range of Asian cuisines in a refined setting. Escolta: An all-day dining restaurant featuring an extensive buffet with international and local dishes. The Peninsula Boutique: A charming spot for pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks.

Each dining venue is noted for its high-quality food, sophisticated atmosphere, and attentive service.

Facilities and Services: The Peninsula Manila provides a comprehensive range of facilities and services:

Swimming Pool: A beautifully designed pool area, perfect for relaxation. Fitness Center: A state-of-the-art gym with modern equipment. Spa: Offers a range of treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation. Business Center: Well-equipped for business needs, including meeting rooms and office services.

The hotel’s facilities are well-maintained and designed to cater to both leisure and business guests.

Customer Service: Service at The Peninsula Manila is exceptional, with staff renowned for their professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency. From the moment of arrival to departure, the service is consistently attentive and personalized, ensuring a memorable and seamless guest experience.

Ambiance: The Peninsula Manila exudes luxury and sophistication, with its grand lobby, elegant décor, and refined atmosphere. The hotel’s design combines classic elements with modern touches, creating a welcoming and upscale environment. The ambiance is further enhanced by the hotel’s commitment to cleanliness and maintenance.

Overall Impression: The Peninsula Manila stands out as a premier luxury hotel that offers a top-notch experience in accommodations, dining, and service. Its central location, elegant design, and extensive facilities make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end stay in Makati City. Whether for business or leisure, The Peninsula Manila delivers a sophisticated and memorable experience.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

The Peninsula Manila excels in providing a luxurious and comfortable stay with its exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and high-quality dining options. While it may come with a premium price, the overall value and experience justify the cost. It remains one of the top choices for discerning travelers seeking a refined and enjoyable stay in...

The Peninsula Manila hotel…another wow spot right in the heart of Makati city! The outside along the streets doesn’t overly do the inside justice so step through the doors for sure. I didn’t ask but if I were to guess this is a 4-5 Diamond hotel after having worked in one myself. Definitely a special treat to be able to enjoy a stay/meal or even to take a stroll through the public areas. Check out the outside water fountain at the corner of the main intersection. It didn’t seem like it was working on our visit as I only caught it from the road when leaving. Kind of disappointing as it’s absolutely huge and great for photos! Grabbed a small bite to eat in the boutique shop on the basement sub level from the lobby/parking garage level. I’m almost sure many people probably either miss this location or don’t know about it as it’s kind of hidden and tucked away, but it is definitely some thing not to be missed. Kind of serves as a quick grab and go for some sandwiches, salads, sweets and drinks but there’s also a few tables for some guests to sit and enjoy. Macaroons were definitely a highlight and the attached flower shop as well…Fresh wonderful aromas. We had a couple of very tasty sandwiches that were reasonably priced in my eyes. Staff are very friendly and service is on point for sure…Thank you very much to Ceejay for the wonderful assistance! We even overstayed the 5pm closing time without realizing but did not feel for one moment like we had to get out. Only thing that seemed odd or off to me was the Easter theme displays with autumn fall leaves, but maybe that’s just the Canadian side of me. Quick trip up to the room in 8th floor with the city park view. Carpet in halls and room was like walking on a cloud…maybe recently renovated but not positive. Lobby is HUGE and that’s an understatement. All the seating seemed to be a restaurant incorporated into the big open space and split into 2 sides with the main door walkway leading up the middle to the check in counters. Not so sure I’m a fan of a meal outlet here as you have the front doors constantly opening with hot air drafts, Guests coming/going, vehicles exhaust and noise, etc. Maybe if it was more a relaxed waiting or quick seating/tea service style. But for me I wouldn’t want to be eating a full meal here as there’s Just too much going on. It was a quick walk through the boutique/garage level to the elevators and then back so I could be wrong on the overall purpose of the space. Don’t forget to look up at the artful sun if your eyes don’t automatically lead you. It’s Easter Holy Week also so there was a very nice and ridiculously large Easter egg display complete with flowers near the check in desk. Excellent for photos of course. Look forward to be back again in the future to take in more of this...